Lamar Jackson's contract questions fuel talk that Ravens' Super Bowl window is closing
Colin Cowherd said the Baltimore Ravens are "done being a Super Bowl bubble team, " pointing to Lamar Jackson's contract and a $74 million cap hit that he said will constrain the roster. The remark comes after a season that ended without a playoff berth and a change at head coach.
Where Lamar Jackson's contract leaves the Ravens
Cowherd argued that the size of Jackson's contract — a $74 million cap hit cited in his remarks — leaves the franchise with less flexibility to add high-impact players around the quarterback. He said that spending at that level on a superstar signal caller makes it difficult to build out a supporting roster capable of taking the final step to a championship.
Playoff miss and a coaching change set the stage
Baltimore failed to make the playoffs after losing the final game of the regular season to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the club moved on from head coach John Harbaugh. A new era is set to begin under head coach Jesse Minter, a change the organization described as a reset following the non-playoff finish.
2025 numbers: injuries and a step back
Jackson struggled to stay on the field during the 2025 NFL season and did not play at his previous level when active. He threw for 2, 549 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 63. 6 percent of his passes, and he ran for 349 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
Two seasons ago: MVP-caliber production
Two years earlier, in 2024, Jackson posted far different numbers: 4, 172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and four interceptions with a 66. 7 percent completion rate, and he ran for 915 yards and four scores. Those figures are cited as evidence that Jackson remains capable of returning to elite form.
Even though Cowherd views the roster outlook as bleak because of the contract situation, commentary within the club's coverage stresses that Baltimore still has the core talent to compete. The analysis in the wake of the season said adding a piece or two in the coming offseason will be needed if the Ravens are to contend again in 2026.
The organization now heads into the offseason under new head coach Jesse Minter. The next confirmed step is the team's offseason work and personnel decisions leading into 2026, which will test whether the roster can be retooled around Jackson's contract constraints and the coaching transition.
